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Hostage crisis : Kuwait company pulls out of negotiations |
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The hostage crisis has deepened and hopes of an early release of three Indians, three Kenyans and one Egyptian truck drivers in Iraq have dimmed after the Kuwaiti transport company of which they are the employees, pulled out of negotiations with the mediator Sheikh al-Dulaimi. The deal between the Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport company (KGL) and Al-Dulaimi ran into rough weather on August 8 when Dulaimi began to make all kinds of new demands, including compensation of some $ 1 million for the Iraqi victims in Fallujah in addition to an agreed ransom payment from KGL. Angered over additional demands, KGL pulled out of the negotiations and vowed never to talk to Sheikh al-Dulaimi for the release of the hostages. A disappointed External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, said Dulaimi and the KGL company had almost finalised details of a settlement on the evening of August 7. Sheikh Dulaimi wanted time to consult hostage takers and work out the modalities for the release of the hostages. But, it appeared from a news report that differences between the two on the amount of compensation for Fallujah victims of US bombardment came in the way of a final settlement. Dulaimi had also suggested that two Indian film stars who are very popular in Iraq, Amitabh Bachchan and Asha Parekh issue an appeal to the abductors to release the hostages.
The KGL spokesperson, Ms. Rana Abu Zaineh explained that everything was going fine and we were expecting to receive the hostages. But, the abductors changed their mind at the last moment and put in new demands. She declined to spell out the demand but sources indicated that the amount of compensation was the sticking point. It was clear that the shadowy Iraqi kidnappers and their mediators were unwilling to let go of the golden goose that promises to fulfil their demands and would keep up the pressure. She was quoted by a news agency on August 8 as saying that the Company had pulled out of the negotiations.
The Indian Government is trying to find out new negotiators but after a meeting of the Crisis Management Group on August 8, it was reiterated that the Government will not negotiate with the abductors directly nor will it entertain any demand for ransom. It will however, step up back channel negotiations. The KGL also said it would negotiate further only if the abductors deputed a new representative or engaged directly. Ms. Rana Abu Zaineh ruled out resuming talks with Sheikh al-Dulaimi accusing him of playing games and not being serious in his efforts. She said that after the experience with Dulaimi, the KGL wanted the abductors to talk to the company directly or depute some one else.
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